Summer adventures for families at Runnymede

Runnymede's patchwork of ponds, meadows and woodland is the perfect place for exploring this summer. Pack a picnic, grab an adventure backpack and get ready to start your adventures.

Examining a flower with a magnifying glass

Minibeast family trail  

Get the whole family involved with our summer holiday trail, spotting wildlife and and minibeasts along the River Thames. Great for letting off steam, come rain or shine.

Explorers this way
A staff member dressed as King John for a children's talk

Terrible Tuesdays at Runnymede 

Join our free family history talk in the meadows of Runnymede, led by our knowledgeable guide, King John.

Mini historians this way
A damsel fly resting on a blade of common read

Head out on a dragonfly hunt 

Join our ranger Laura for a Enchanting Dragonflies guided walk at Runnymede on Sunday 12 August to learn more about these fascinating insects. There will be chance to spot adults on the wing, look for exuviae at the pond’s edge, and have a go at pond-dipping for larvae.

Event details
An adventure backpack at Runnymede

Become a history hunter 

Borrow an adventure backpack on your next visit and follow a trail exploring the history, heritage and landscape of Runnymede.

Start your investigation
A cinnabar moth caterpillar on a ragwort plant

Complete your 50 things scrapbook 

The National Trust's scrapbook of 50 things to do before you're 11 ¾ offers loads of ways to have fun in the countryside. Complete one of the activities available at Runnymede and we'll give you a sticker for your scrapbook.

50 things at Runnymede
A family enjoying a picnic by the river at Runnymede

Picnic by the river

Pack a picnic and find your spot on the riverside. While you're munching, how many dragonflies can you see?

Cake on a stand in the Magna Carta Tea-room

Food and drink

The café serves hot and cold lunches every day, as well as cream teas and meals for children. Highchairs and bottle-warming facilities are available.

Runnymede, Surrey

Planning your visit

Plan ahead to make the most of your visit. The Riverside car park opens from 1 April, and both car parks close at 7pm. The tea-room is open from 10am until 5pm, serving drinks, hot lunches and baked treats. From here you can also borrow an Adventure Backpack and become a history hunter at Runnymede, or pick up a map and follow one of the coloured trails around the countryside.